How to get from Tulum to Cancun

Why visit Cancun?

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

There are 4 ways to travel the 131 kilometers (81 miles) from Tulum to Cancun. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, private transport and colectivo. The journey takes 1 hour 35 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 95 MXN ($4.90).

ADO Tulum Bus Station (Terminal Autobuses Tulum ADO) is located in the centre of town. This makes it easily accessible by foot or by taxi if you’re staying slightly further away or in one of the beach areas.

A good average rate for a ride from the beach areas to the bus terminal is around 300 MXN ($15.40). But keep in mind that taxis in Tulum are not metered, so it’s better to agree on the rate before getting in.

ADO is Mexico’s most popular bus company, offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book ADO Primera Clase or ADO Conecta. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.

A bus ticket costs 230 MXN ($11.70) and the journey takes around 2h - 2h 45m.

Buses stop at ADO Cancun Bus Station, conveniently located in downtown Cancun, with many hotels and hostels located close by or just a few blocks away. This gives you the perfect opportunity to exercise your legs after the long bus journey.

But if you are staying a bit further away, in the beach areas, for example, you may have to take a taxi to get to your final destination. Taxis are available from outside of the bus station and are metered, so rates will depend on the distance and time.

An average ride to the beach area is around 200 MXN ($10.30).

Another option is to use public transport. Buses pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum and lines R-1 and R-2 connect the bus stop with the beach and hotel area. The rate for the buses is 13 MXN ($0.70) to be paid directly to the bus driver.

You can also get a direct bus from Tulum to Cancun International Airport with ADO.

Buses leave from the Terminal Autobuses Tulum ADO. You can buy your ticket directly at the bus station or book it online through BookAway. Prices start at 440 MXN ($22.50).

There used to be direct colectivo trips between Tulum and Cancun. But the last time we checked (February 2025), only indirect colectivo trips are available. You’ll have to make a transfer at Playa del Carmen.

Although the extra transfer can be a bit of a hassle, taking the indirect colectivo lets you travel more like a local — and it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Prices may go up during peak tourist season, but the combined ticket still costs around 95 MXN ($4.90), and can be paid directly to the driver.

If you prefer to have this indirect colectivo experience, read on for a step-by-step guide!

You’ll find colectivos to Playa del Carmen right across the street from ADO Tulum Bus Station.

Colectivo Foraneos is the sole operator for this route, and a seat costs around 50 MXN ($2.60).

When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, simply get off at the last stop. This is where you’ll also find the colectivos bound for Cancun, operated by the same company Colectivo Foraneos.

Another company that runs on this route is Playa Express. They use Mercedes vans for their services, which are larger and more comfortable than the classic colectivos in Playa del Carmen. You’ll find Playa Express vans at the corner of Avenida Juarez and the federal highway, just a short walk from where the regular colectivos leave at Colectivo station – Playa del Carmen.

The ride to Cancun takes 1h - 1h 30m and costs around 45 MXN ($2.30). If you’re taking Playa Express, expect to pay a bit more at 55 MXN ($2.80).

The colectivos’ last stop is just across the ADO Cancun Bus Station. Unlike buses, you can get off before the last stop if your accommodation is on the way.

Shared minivans are a direct way to travel from Tulum to Cancun. They’re still a bit pricier than the bus, but if your accommodation’s far from the bus terminal, it could save you some cash on taxis.

Travel time is around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes and a ticket costs 440 MXN ($22.50).

Some minivans offer pickup at any hotel within Tulum’s Hotel Zone and drop passengers off at Cancun International Airport.

If you’re heading to Cancun’s Hotel Zone, you’ll need to take a taxi, with fares starting at 740 MXN ($38).

You can also take an ADO bus to the city centre for 115 MXN ($6), then hop on a second bus or grab a taxi to the beach and hotel area.

A private transfer from Tulum to Cancun is the easiest and most convenient transport option. The journey takes 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at 1,740 MXN ($90) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,260 MXN ($65) each.

IMPORTANT: When booking your ride online, make sure you pick one that’s heading to either downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone, wherever you’re staying. Fares for private cars from Tulum to Cancun Airport are cheaper and may look tempting, but keep in mind that the airport is still 20 minutes away from Cancun’s tourist area.